Journal article
A Phenomenological Study of Lived Experiences of International Counseling Students in Multicultural Counseling Courses
Counselor education and supervision
04/08/2026
DOI: 10.1002/ceas.70027
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to explore international counseling students’ (ICSs’) lived experiences in multicultural counseling classes. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 17 ICSs, six of whom also completed focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using Moustakas's transcendental phenomenological framework. Findings reveal five major themes: (1) origins of studying in the United States, (2) class engagement, (3) feeling like an outsider, (4) instructors and instruction make a difference, and (5) resultant growth and lingering questions. These findings indicate that creating a culturally inclusive learning environment involves two aspects: helping ICSs familiarize themselves with US culture and intentionally integrating their experiences, voices, and international perspectives into multicultural counseling courses.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A Phenomenological Study of Lived Experiences of International Counseling Students in Multicultural Counseling Courses
- Creators
- Anqi Yu - University of IowaSusannah M. Wood - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Counselor education and supervision
- DOI
- 10.1002/ceas.70027
- ISSN
- 0011-0035
- eISSN
- 1556-6978
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Grant note
- University of Iowa (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/100008893)
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 04/08/2026
- Academic Unit
- Counselor Education
- Record Identifier
- 9985153393202771
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